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Apply to USM

Start your application process to the University of Southern Maine (USM) right here. You'll find checklists, deadlines, and instructions for applying as an undergraduate or graduate student. If you have any questions, the Admissions team is ready to help.

Please note: Maine residents can apply for free — for both undergraduate and graduate admission. Also, undergraduate applications and supporting materials must be received by August 15 for fall admission consideration.

ME residents application fee waiver

Undergraduate Application Process

Undergraduate applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, as they become complete. Applicants can expect a decision approximately four to six weeks after all documentation has been received. Counselors initially evaluate applications for entry into the first choice major, if applicable. If an applicant does not meet this major's qualifications or no space is available in the first-choice major, they will be considered for a second major, an undeclared major, or an alternate program.

Transfer Students

$40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine. Maine residents apply for free.

Official final high school transcript that certifies the date of high school graduation or official General Education Diploma (GED) results (not required if you have completed an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time the application is submitted)

Official transcripts from all colleges attended, whether or not credit was earned, sent directly from each institution

Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)

Official SAT or ACT scores. These scores are not required if you have completed more than 12 post-high school college credits or if you are at least 20 years old at the time you submit your application. Please Note: Students who earned college credits while in high school through early studies/dual enrollment courses must still submit SAT or ACT scores.

Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores may be required of applicants whose primary language is not English

International College Transcript Evaluation: Official evaluation of college-level transcripts from a USM-approved transcript analysis agency.

Adult Students

$40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine. Maine residents apply for free.

Official final high school transcript that certifies the date of high school graduation or official General Education Diploma (GED) results (not required if you have completed an associate's or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution at the time the application is submitted)

Official transcripts from all colleges attended, whether or not credit was earned, sent directly from each institution

Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)

Resume: If you have had a significant gap (three or more years) since your last experience in education, it is recommended you submit a resume or list of life experiences.

Official SAT or ACT scores. These are not required if you have completed more than 12 post-high school college credits or if you are at least 20 years old at the time you submit your application.

Official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores may be required of applicants whose primary language is not English

International College Transcript Evaluation: Official evaluation of college-level transcripts from a USM-approved transcript analysis agency.

Homeschooled Students

$40 application fee payable to the University of Southern Maine. Maine residents apply for free.

Official final high school transcript that certifies the date of high school graduation or annual assessment of courses completed; transcripts should be signed by the person responsible for homeschooling the student

Completed personal statement/essay (recommended)

Official SAT or ACT test scores sent directly from the testing agency

Completed letter of recommendation from someone outside the student's family

Priority filing dates indicate when information should be received by the University. The dates upon which we receive your application and then enrollment deposit may impact other factors, including financial aid awards, priorities for on-campus housing, orientation dates, and course selection. Please note the following dates, references, and deadlines.

Fall Semester

January 15 – transfer Nursing deadline

February 15 – priority filing application date and first year Nursing deadline

May 1 – priority enrollment deposit date

July 1 – international student application deadline

August 15 – application and supporting materials must be received by Admissions

Spring Semester*

November 15 – international student application deadline

December 1 – priority filing application date

January 2 – priority enrollment deposit date

*Admission will not be granted to nursing applicants (with the exception of RN to BSN program) for the spring semester.

Summer Semester

May 1 – Priority deadline

October 1 – accelerated nursing application deadline

Rolling Admissions

Applications are reviewed on a rolling admission cycle. For students who want to enroll for the fall semester, applications are accepted throughout the year and applicants will be notified of their admission decision beginning in October.

Although applications will be reviewed throughout the year, we recommend students complete their applications by the priority filing date of February 15. All students who want to be considered for academic scholarships must have their completed application on file by the February 15 scholarship consideration deadline.

Nursing program applicants: transfer students must submit applications by the January 15 Transfer Nursing Application Deadline. First-year Nursing applicants must submit an application by the February 15 First-Year Nursing Application Deadline.

In order to be considered for financial aid, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form should be filed either electronically or through the mail by January 15 in order for the federal data to be received by Student Financial Services on schedule.

Application for financial aid submitted after the stated deadlines will be reviewed only to the extent that funds remain available throughout the spring. For more information, visit Student Financial Services or call (207) 780-5250.

A nonrefundable fee of $40 must be submitted with your application for admission. Maine residents apply for free. Checks should be made payable to the University of Southern Maine. If submission of this fee causes a financial hardship, please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission.

SAT & ACTs

USM generally requires official SAT or ACT test scores. If you have completed more than 12 college level credits or are age 20 or older at the time you submit your application, these scores are not required. Please Note: Students who earned college credits while in high school through early studies/dual enrollment courses must still submit SAT or ACT scores.

Applicants may submit SAT or ACT scores as reported on official high school transcript or directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the American College Testing Program (ACT). If you did not previously request your scores be sent to USM (CEEB code #3691) from ETS or ACT, you may do so by calling ETS at (609) 921-9000 or collegeboard.com or ACT at (319) 337-1313 or actstudent.org.

TOEFL

International and non-native English speaking students should submit their Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. SAT or ACT scores may be submitted to us as reported on the official high school transcript or directly from the Educational Testing Service (ETS) or the American College Testing Program (ACT).

Advanced Placement Tests and International Baccalaureate

The University of Southern Maine recognizes the Advanced Placement Tests and the International Baccalaureate program, and may grant placement and credit toward graduation for superior performance. Please contact the Prior Learning Assessment Office for additional information at (207) 780-4663, or toll-free 1-800-800-4876, ext. 4663.

Graduate Application Process

Standard Application Materials

Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, excluding the seven campuses of the University of Maine system. A transcript is official when it comes directly from the institution. If an applicant is submitting an official transcript, it must be in a sealed envelope from the institution indicating that it is an official document. If the envelope has been opened prior to arriving at the Office of Graduate Admissions, it is no longer considered an official transcript.

Essay.

Standardized test scores, if required by program. Official copies of standardized test scores often take four weeks or longer to arrive from the testing agency. Please plan accordingly. USM's school codes for submitting official reports of your standardized test scores directly to our office are:

Recommendations (number determined by individual program) are easily submitted using our online application form. You will simply need to provide the name and email address for each of your recommenders during the application process. Once you submit your application, an email will be automatically generated to your recommenders directing them to fill out the electronic letter of recommendation. References should be from individuals who are qualified, through direct experience with your academic or professional work, to comment on your ability to undertake graduate study and your chosen profession.

TOEFL scores, required by all programs for international students whose first language is not English.

Other items as may be required by the individual program.

Applications for admission and all supporting materials must be postmarked by the deadlines determined by the individual graduate programs.

If we receive application materials such as test scores or recommendations before your application arrives, we will keep them in a holding file to add to your folder once the application is submitted. If you choose to collect all application materials yourself and mail or deliver everything to us at once, do not open any official transcripts or recommendation letters. Once submitted, all application materials become USM property and will not be returned.

International Applicants

In addition to the standard application materials, international students must also provide the following materials before their application will be reviewed:

International students whose first language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and submit official scores as part of the application process. Only applicants with TOEFL scores of 550 or higher on the paper-based test, 213 or higher on the computer-based test, or 79 or higher on the internet-based test; or IELTS scores of 6.5 or higher will be considered for admission to a graduate program.

The admissions process requires a formal interview. Candidates to be interviewed will be selected on the basis of the above information. During the interview, issues relating to the following topics will be covered: a) self-awareness; b) awareness of social issues; c) awareness of others as persons; d) communication skills; and e) commitment to the field.

Biology

Deadlines: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination general test is required GRE subject test in biology is recommended but not required. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Please note: The Admission to the M.S. program in biology is competitive and has two basic requirements. First, applicants should have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution, preferably in some area of biology, with a minimum GPA equivalent to 3.0. Second, admission is also dependent upon a faculty member agreeing to serve as the primary faculty advisor to the student. Therefore, before applying to the program, students must become acquainted with the research interests of individual faculty in or adjunct to the Department of Biological Sciences and contact those faculty members to discuss the possibility of working with them in the M.S. program in biology and identify the faculty member(s) in their essay.

Business Administration (MBA)

Deadlines: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). (Note: Candidates with terminal degrees normally are not required to take the GMAT. However, the LL.B. from outside the United States is not an acceptable terminal degree, a condition which may also exist for other non-U.S. degrees. Please note official test scores often take two or more weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan accordingly.

Essay: In a brief essay (300-500 words), please state your reasons for pursuing graduate business education, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. Make sure to touch on the following points, as applicable: performance in outside activities, evidence of creativity and leadership, and record of accomplishment.

Certificates of Advanced Study

Deadlines vary by program. Please consult the Graduate Catalog.

Essay: Submit a brief essay (500-700 words) which includes the applicant’s reason(s) for pursuing advanced graduate study: the proposed focus of the applicant’s program, including specific courses if known; and an explanation of how the proposed program fits the applicant’s personal and professional goals.

Counseling

Deadline: November 15 for fall

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essay: Candidates to the master’s program should provide a narrative, preferably typed, in the form of a brief autobiography that relates the applicant’s experiences that have led to an interest in counseling and application to the counselor education program. Candidates are also asked to address the following statement: “As counseling professionals, we are constantly seeking areas in ourselves that bear examination and change. As future practitioners, you will be witness to a wide variety of client experiences.” Please discuss areas in yourself that may block your ability to empathically listen to client experiences that are different than your own. The entire narrative, including the autobiography and the statement, should be limited to three typewritten, double-spaced pages which will be evaluated in terms of clarity of expression, grammatical construction, and other facets of English composition, as well as the quality of responses.

2) Additionally, all applicants need a 500-750 word statement discussing the work of at least three writers in the genre in which you are applying who have influenced your own writing. This statement may involve close readings, critical analysis, and/or a more personal discussion of why and how you value these writers. Ideally, it should convey a sense of the literary heritage in which you situate your own work and of your skill as a reader.

Writing Sample: Applicants to the Stonecoast MFA in Creative Writing are required to submit a writing sample of your fiction, poetry or nonfiction. (Popular Fiction for this program does not include romance or children's literature.) Submitted material should be clearly marked to indicate applicant's name and the specific genre in which a student is applying. Send copies only, not originals. For Fiction, submit a short story or novel excerpt, maximum of 20 pages. For Poetry, submit a maximum of ten poems. For Creative Nonfiction, submit an excerpt from a memoir, a personal essay or a piece of literary journalism, a maximum of 20 pages. (Creative Nonfiction for this program does not include book reviews, letters, feature journalism or job-related documents such as memos, legal briefs, etc.) For Popular Fiction, submit a piece of science fiction, fantasy, horror, a mystery, or a thriller, maximum 20 pages.

Educational Leadership

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Educational Psychology

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essay: A narrative essay that answers this question: “Why do you seek training in applied behavior analysis?” This narrative is evaluated in terms of clarity of expression, grammatical construction, and other facets of English composition, as well as the quality of information given about the following: how the study of behavior analysis aligns with your professional goals and your understanding of and commitment to the field of applied behavior analysis.

Extended Teacher Education Program (ETEP)

Deadline: December 1 first round deadline; January 30 second round deadline

Standardized Test Requirement: Praxis Core. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Leadership Studies

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: A two-part essay containing a) an Academic Statement and b) a Personal History Statement according to the following criteria:

The Academic Statement should include a description of why you want to study leadership, why you want to study at the University of Southern Maine, and how our program can help you achieve your professional goals.

The Personal History Statement should convey how a combination of life experiences, idealism, role models, education, and work experiences have influenced your decision to apply. You may also include any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, and challenges or opportunities relevant to your academic journey.

Both parts of your essay combined may not exceed 1200 words.

Literacy Education

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Please note: Literacy Education program applicants should submit evidence of current teacher certification.

Music

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Please note: Applicants with specific concentrations should visit the Graduate Catalog or the Music website to find additional application requirements.

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination or Miller Analogies Test. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essay: Please develop a 500 word essay which addresses the following topics:

Your understanding of the nurse practitioner role, and your reasons for becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner.

Your professional goals that will be supported by the Master of Science degree.

The experiences, capacity and abilities you bring to a master’s program.

Two letters of recommendation reflecting professional practice and academic achievement.

Evidence (photocopy) of unencumbered current licensure as a registered professional nurse in Maine (not required for Master's Option applicants).

Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Deadline: May 31 for fall admission

Essay: The completed DNP application must include an essay describing the candidate's motivation for pursuing this degree and the vision he/she has for the role. The essay is an important part of the application since it demonstrates the applicant's ability to think, organize ideas, and express him/herself well in writing. Special essay instructions: maximum three typed double-spaced pages.

Discuss your specific career goals for pursuing the DNP.

Identify prior experiences that have contributed to your decision to apply to a DNP program.

Discuss how the goals, objectives, and curriculum of USM's program will enable you to meet your post-DNP career goals.

Identify a specific clinical problem or issue that could be the focus of your capstone project.

Additional Application Materials:

Current Resume.

Three letters of reference reflecting professional practice and/or academic achievement.

Evidence (photocopy) of unencumbered current RN licensure as a registered professional nurse.

Evidence (photocopy) of current national certification in advanced practice specialty and state certification in which currently practicing if applicable.

Two sets of official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, including USM if applicable.

A scheduled formal interview with graduate faculty from the School of Nursing will be required following a preliminary review of all required admission materials. Individual consideration will be given to each applicant based upon the total profile presented.

Occupational Therapy

Deadline: October 1 priority filing deadline for fall admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Please submit a 2-3 page essay that introduces yourself, describes why you are interested in Occupational Therapy, and outlines the strengths and experiences you bring to the Occupational Therapy profession. You may consult the MOT application instructions for further assistance.

Policy, Planning, and Management

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

Professional Educator

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Teaching is a learning profession. "When teachers stop learning, so do their students." (Roland Barth). How do you envision yourself as a teacher and a learner in the Professional Educator program?

Public Health

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) explaining how your academic preparation and/or professional experience has led you to seek a degree in public health. Also, please describe any career aspirations you may have upon completion of the program.

School Psychology (Psy.D.)

Deadline: December 1 for summer admission cycle.

Update: As of November 7, 2016, the Doctorate of Psychology in School Psychology (Psy.D.) has changed its testing requirements for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). This may impact your application. Due to this change the PsyD program is offering a second admission deadline of March 1, 2017, for this application cycle only.

The change in testing requirement is allowing a letter of consideration by the applicant for those who do not meet the minimum 300 score on the GRE.

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essays:

The USM School Psychology Program embraces a behaviorally-based model for assessment and intervention. Briefly describe your understanding of behavioral theory and how comfortable you are working with that model.

Describe what is meant by the term "evidence-based practice." What role should evidence-based practice play in the delivery of school psychological services?

The Psy.D. program requires an interview of all finalists as part of the admissions process. You will be contacted if an interview is required. Interviews will be held as follows:

To be determined.

Social Work (MSW)

Deadline: October 15 for fall admission cycle

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Personal statement of no more than 750 words addressing the following questions:

What are the reasons you want to be a social worker?

How do the mission and goals of the M.S.W. program at the University of Southern Maine School of Social Work fit with your career goals?

What goals do you have for yourself by obtaining a master's in Abilities and Disabilities Studies in this concentration?

What is at least one aspect of your teaching that you feel you will strengthen through earning this master's degree?

Describe your past experience with youth, either in teaching or in another capacity.

What did you learn about youth through this experience?

What did you learn about yourself through this experience?

For those applying to the Pre-Service strand (teaching students with mild to severe disabilities), additional admission requirements include:

Application Deadline: Rolling admission

Praxis Core exam passed based on Maine’s standards

Special Essay Question

Special essay question:

A free appropriate public education for students with disabilities represents our democratic society’s commitment to educating all its children. A teacher lives out this commitment in his/her daily instruction and professional activities as an educator. Please describe what you think it means as a teacher to provide equitable learning opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities.

Statistics

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: Graduate Record Examination. Please note official test scores often take several weeks to reach the Office of Graduate Admissions, applicants should plan to take any admission test two months prior to an application deadline.

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Deadline: Rolling admission

Standardized Test Requirement: None

Essay: Submit a brief essay (300-500 words) stating your reasons for pursuing graduate study, your professional goals, and how you think this program of study will contribute to these goals. You may include a statement of any special interest you would like to pursue in your study.